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Mettler Toledo XPE26 Microbalance – Used & Refurbished
The Mettler Toledo XPE26 Microbalance is a high-performance laboratory microbalance designed for applications requiring precise measurement of extremely small sample quantities. With a maximum weighing capacity of 22 g and readability of 0.001 mg (1 µg), the XPE26 provides the sensitivity required for pharmaceutical research, analytical chemistry, formulation, standards preparation, materials science, and other demanding micro-weighing applications.
Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, the Mettler Toledo XPE26 provides laboratories with access to advanced microgram-level weighing performance at a significantly lower acquisition cost than purchasing a comparable new microbalance. Each balance is inspected, cleaned, calibrated, and tested for weighing accuracy and repeatability before shipment and includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
Key Features
22 g maximum weighing capacity
0.001 mg / 1 µg readability across the weighing range
Typical repeatability as low as 0.0007 mg / 0.7 µg
Typical USP minimum weight of approximately 1.4 mg
proFACT Advanced automatic internal adjustment
SmartGrid weighing pan helps reduce the influence of air turbulence
StatusLight provides an immediate visual indication of balance readiness
Detachable color touchscreen terminal
Approximately 3.5-second settling time
Compact 40 × 40 mm weighing pan
Used, refurbished, calibrated, and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included
Overview
Microbalances operate at a level of sensitivity substantially beyond conventional laboratory precision and analytical balances. The Mettler Toledo XPE26 is capable of resolving changes in mass down to a single microgram, making careful control of environmental and handling variables especially important.
Mettler Toledo designed the XPE26 as part of its Excellence series to combine this high level of weighing sensitivity with technologies intended to make routine micro-weighing more reproducible and easier to manage.
The balance incorporates proFACT Advanced internal adjustment, allowing the instrument to automatically compensate for conditions that can affect weighing accuracy. Its StatusLight provides an easily visible indication of instrument status, while StaticDetect helps identify electrostatic charges that could otherwise introduce error into measurements involving small samples or lightweight containers.
The separate touchscreen terminal can also be positioned away from the weighing chamber, helping reduce unnecessary interaction with the balance during sensitive measurements.
Common Applications
The Mettler Toledo XPE26 is particularly well suited for applications where sample quantities are extremely small, expensive, limited, or difficult to obtain. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology laboratories may use a microbalance for weighing active pharmaceutical ingredients, reference materials, compounds, standards, and small quantities used during formulation or analytical development.
Analytical chemistry laboratories can use the XPE26 for gravimetric analysis, preparation of reference standards and calibration solutions, filter weighing, and other procedures where conventional analytical balance readability may not be sufficient.
The XPE26 is also appropriate for materials science, environmental testing, academic research, forensic laboratories, chemical development, quality control, and other applications requiring repeatable microgram-level measurements.
Ideal Laboratory Types
The XPE26 is a strong choice for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, materials science, environmental, forensic, academic, government, and industrial research laboratories.
It is particularly valuable when reducing sample consumption has a meaningful financial or scientific benefit. A laboratory working with costly compounds, scarce research materials, or very small quantities may be able to perform accurate weighing with substantially less material than would be practical with a conventional analytical balance.
Microgram-Level Weighing Performance
The defining feature of the Mettler Toledo XPE26 is its 1 µg readability. The balance provides this readability across its 22 g weighing range rather than limiting maximum resolution to a smaller fine-weighing range.
Typical repeatability is approximately 0.7 µg under appropriate conditions, while specified linearity is ±0.006 mg. The balance has a typical settling time of approximately 3.5 seconds.
For laboratories comparing analytical, semi-micro, and microbalances, readability is an important distinction. A conventional analytical balance commonly provides 0.1 mg readability, while a microbalance such as the XPE26 resolves mass at 0.001 mg. That represents a substantially greater level of sensitivity for applications involving very small sample quantities.
Minimum Sample Weight & USP Applications
Maximum capacity and readability alone do not determine whether a balance is suitable for a particular weighing procedure. Laboratories working under USP requirements should also consider the minimum sample weight required to achieve the necessary level of measurement uncertainty.
The Mettler Toledo XPE26 has a typical USP minimum weight of approximately 1.4 mg under specified operating conditions. Actual minimum weight can vary with environmental conditions, installation, balance condition, measurement uncertainty requirements, and laboratory procedures.
For regulated or validated applications, laboratories should establish minimum weight based on their own qualification procedures and applicable quality requirements rather than relying exclusively on a published typical value.
Controlling Drafts, Vibration & Static
At 1 µg readability, seemingly minor environmental influences can have a measurable effect on weighing results. Air movement, vibration, temperature changes, electrostatic charge, and handling technique become increasingly important as balance resolution increases.
The XPE26 uses a protected weighing chamber and Mettler Toledo's SmartGrid weighing pan to reduce the influence of air turbulence. The open-grid design also allows spilled material to fall below the weighing surface rather than accumulating immediately around the sample container.
Integrated StaticDetect technology helps alert the operator when electrostatic conditions could interfere with the measurement. This is particularly useful when working with powders, plastic containers, filters, and other materials prone to accumulating static charge.
For best performance, a microbalance should be installed on a stable weighing surface away from HVAC vents, frequently opened doors, direct sunlight, vibration-producing equipment, and other sources of environmental disturbance.
Calibration & Internal Adjustment
The XPE26 incorporates proFACT Advanced internal adjustment, which allows the balance to perform automatic adjustment procedures to help maintain weighing accuracy as laboratory conditions change.
Internal adjustment is especially valuable for high-resolution balances because temperature changes and other environmental factors can influence measurement performance at the microgram level.
Laboratories operating under GLP, GMP, USP, or internal quality systems may still require scheduled verification using appropriate traceable test weights and documented performance checks. Internal adjustment should therefore be viewed as part of a complete balance quality-control program rather than a replacement for laboratory-specific calibration and qualification requirements.
Key Specifications
Specification
Mettler Toledo XPE26
Balance Type
Microbalance / Micro-Analytical Balance
Maximum Capacity
22 g
Readability
0.001 mg / 1 µg
Typical Repeatability
0.0007 mg / 0.7 µg
Typical USP Minimum Weight
1.4 mg
Linearity
±0.006 mg
Settling Time
Approx. 3.5 seconds
Adjustment
Internal / proFACT Advanced
Weighing Pan
40 × 40 mm
Display
Detachable color touchscreen
Overall Dimensions
263 mm W × 487 mm D × 322 mm H
Status Monitoring
StatusLight
Static Detection
StaticDetect
Weighing Pan Technology
SmartGrid
Choosing Between a Microbalance and Analytical Balance
A microbalance is not automatically the best choice simply because it offers greater resolution. The correct balance depends on the smallest sample quantities the laboratory needs to weigh accurately, required measurement uncertainty, maximum sample or container weight, workflow, and environmental conditions.
Laboratories routinely weighing samples at the gram or hundreds-of-milligrams level may be well served by a conventional analytical balance. Applications involving very small sample quantities, however, may require a semi-micro or microbalance.
With 1 µg readability and a 22 g capacity, the XPE26 is particularly appropriate when the ability to accurately measure very small quantities is more important than having a large weighing capacity.
Refurbishment & Performance Testing
Every used Mettler Toledo XPE26 sold by American Instrument Exchange is inspected, cleaned, refurbished as necessary, calibrated, and tested before shipment.
Because weighing performance is the primary function of a microbalance, testing goes beyond simply confirming that the instrument powers on and displays a stable weight. Our technicians evaluate balance operation using appropriate test weights and check critical performance characteristics such as accuracy, repeatability, linearity, and weighing response.
The touchscreen, internal adjustment system, draft shield operation, leveling components, weighing chamber, display, controls, and other installed features are also inspected for proper operation.
Each refurbished XPE26 includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
Shipping & Installation Considerations
Microbalances are precision measuring instruments and require more careful handling than many pieces of general laboratory equipment. The XPE26 is securely packaged for transportation to protect the weighing mechanism, draft shield, terminal, and other components during shipment.
Once installed, the balance should be placed on a rigid, level, vibration-resistant surface in an area with stable temperature and minimal air movement. Allowing the instrument to acclimate to the laboratory environment before calibration and use can help produce more consistent results.
For laboratories performing critical or regulated measurements, installation should be followed by appropriate calibration, verification, or qualification procedures according to the laboratory's quality system.
Related Laboratory Equipment
American Instrument Exchange maintains an extensive inventory of used and refurbished laboratory balances, including analytical balances, semi-micro balances, microbalances, and precision balances for applications ranging from routine sample preparation to high-resolution quantitative analysis.
What is the readability of the Mettler Toledo XPE26?
The XPE26 has a readability of 0.001 mg, or 1 microgram (µg), across its 22 g weighing capacity. This makes it considerably more sensitive than a conventional 0.1 mg analytical balance.
What is the maximum capacity of the XPE26?
The Mettler Toledo XPE26 has a maximum weighing capacity of 22 g.
What is the minimum weight for the Mettler Toledo XPE26?
Mettler Toledo lists a typical USP minimum weight of approximately 1.4 mg under specified conditions. Actual minimum weight should be determined according to the balance's installed environment, performance, measurement uncertainty, and the laboratory's applicable quality procedures.
What is the difference between the XPE26 and XPE26DR?
The standard XPE26 provides 1 µg readability throughout its 22 g range. The XPE26DR is a dual-range model with different readability depending on the weighing range. Laboratories purchasing either model should verify the exact model designation to ensure that its weighing specifications meet their application requirements.
Why is static electricity important when using a microbalance?
At microgram-level resolution, electrostatic forces can cause measurable weighing errors. Materials such as plastic containers, powders, filters, and weighing vessels may accumulate static charge. The XPE26's StaticDetect system is designed to identify electrostatic conditions that could compromise weighing results.
Does the XPE26 have automatic internal calibration?
The XPE26 incorporates proFACT Advanced automatic internal adjustment. This helps maintain weighing performance as environmental conditions change, although regulated laboratories may still require external verification and documented calibration procedures.
Is the Mettler Toledo XPE26 suitable for pharmaceutical laboratories?
Yes. Its microgram-level readability, low typical minimum weight, internal adjustment system, and weighing-performance features make the XPE26 well suited to pharmaceutical research, formulation, analytical development, standards preparation, and quality-control applications where very small sample quantities must be measured.
Why purchase a refurbished XPE26?
A refurbished XPE26 can provide laboratories with high-end microgram weighing capability without the acquisition cost associated with purchasing a comparable new microbalance. American Instrument Exchange tests and refurbishes each balance before shipment and provides a 90-day warranty.
Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Laboratory Balances
Ensure Precision, Repeatability, and Weighing Accuracy
Used and refurbished laboratory balances from American Instrument Exchange undergo thorough, multi-point testing to ensure accurate, reliable performance in scientific, industrial, and pharmaceutical settings. Each balance is carefully inspected, calibrated, and evaluated to meet the stringent standards required for analytical, precision, and micro weighing applications.
Why Testing Used Laboratory Balances Is Essential
Before a laboratory balance is placed back into service, it must be rigorously tested for:
• Weighing accuracy across full capacity range
• Repeatability and linearity
• Load cell and sensor functionality
• User interface and calibration system integrity
Comprehensive balance testing helps eliminate measurement errors and guarantees performance in high-precision environments such as R&D, formulation labs, and quality control facilities.
Our structured balance testing protocol ensures every refurbished unit delivers consistent results and trusted performance.
Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Laboratory Balances
1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Inspect housing, leveling feet, draft shield, and weighing pan for wear, cracks, or corrosion
• Check control panel, power cord, and buttons for damage or signs of tampering
• Confirm presence and condition of all required components (e.g., shields, adapters, trays)
2. Functional Startup and Interface Testing
• Power on the balance to verify display initialization and zeroing functionality
• Test user interface responsiveness, menu access, and programmable features
• Evaluate stabilization time and auto-tare functions
3. Calibration and Accuracy Testing
• Perform internal calibration (if equipped) and verify operation
• Use certified calibration weights to perform external calibration
• Check for accuracy at multiple weight points across the balance’s range
4. Repeatability, Linearity, and Corner Load Testing
• Conduct multiple weighings of identical test weights to confirm repeatability
• Test linearity by weighing at low, mid, and high points across the range
• Evaluate corner-load accuracy by placing test weights at different positions on the pan
5. Load Cell and Sensor Integrity Verification
• Test load cell response for consistency, drift, or hysteresis
• Verify sensor functionality and precision at sub-milligram levels (for analytical/microbalances)
6. Electrical Safety and Grounding Checks
• Inspect wiring and power components for safety and compliance
• Verify proper grounding and electrical insulation to meet lab equipment standards
7. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation
• Perform a full operational test under simulated lab conditions
• Record and document all calibration results and test metrics
• Final cleaning and inspection before shipping
Trusted Performance from American Instrument Exchange
All refurbished laboratory balances from American Instrument Exchange are tested and validated to deliver precision weighing performance from day one. Our expert technicians use industry-standard procedures to ensure each balance is lab-ready—whether used for sample prep, formulation, or high-precision research.
Repair and Refurbishment Protocol for Used Laboratory Balances
Precision Weighing Restored by American Instrument Exchange
At American Instrument Exchange, every used laboratory balance is subjected to a multi-step refurbishment protocol designed to restore precision and reliability with laboratory standards. Whether it’s an analytical balance, precision balance, or microbalance, we ensure each unit delivers consistent performance for scientific, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.
Why Choose a Refurbished Laboratory Balance from American Instrument Exchange?
• Fully tested for accuracy, repeatability, and calibration stability
• Backed by a warranty
• Cost-effective alternative to purchasing new balances
• Environmentally responsible through expert refurbishment and reuse
• Refurbished by technicians with extensive experience in lab instrumentation
Every laboratory balance from American Instrument Exchange is professionally restored through a comprehensive, multi-point process:
1. Initial Intake & Inspection
• Exterior inspection for damage, corrosion, and wear on display, housing, and leveling feet
• Visual/manual check of weighing pan, draft shield, doors, and buttons
• Documentation of missing parts, error codes, or component issues
2. Cleaning and Decontamination
• Thorough cleaning of the weighing chamber, pan, and internal components using anti-static and non-abrasive cleaners
• Removal of dust, chemical residue, and particulate buildup
• Disinfection of all surfaces
3. Mechanical and Electronic Repairs
• Replacement/repair of worn components including pans, draft shields, and buttons
• Evaluation and repair of load cells, sensors, and electronic boards
• Inspection of power supply, internal wiring, and display screen functionality
4. Calibration and Accuracy Testing
• Internal calibration mechanisms are tested (if equipped)
• External calibration is performed using certified traceable weights
• Repeatability, linearity, and corner-load accuracy are verified
5. Functional Testing and Performance Validation
• Test of user interface, menu settings, and programmable functions
• Taring, zeroing, and stability response times are evaluated
• Load-bearing accuracy is tested across the unit’s full capacity range
6. Compliance and Safety Checks
• Electrical system testing for grounding and safe operation
• Verification of leveling system and anti-vibration performance
7. Final Quality Control and Documentation
• Final inspection and multi-point accuracy verification
• Complete operational test with weight logs and calibration reports
• Full cleaning and packaging for shipment
Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange
With over 50 years of experience in laboratory equipment, American Instrument Exchange is a trusted source for precision-refurbished laboratory balances. Our refurbishment protocol ensures each balance meets strict standards for accuracy and performance—ready to deliver dependable weighing results from day one.
Warranty Information
All used equipment sold by American Instrument Exchange is refurbished/reconditioned, tested to meet specifications, cleaned, and comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified. New products include a warranty from the manufacturer. Your warranty is only valid if you have paid your invoice. If your invoice is over 30 days old, warranty work will not be performed until your invoice is paid in full. American Instrument Exchange is not liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on this site or the performance of the products,
Exceptions include international sales and items that are agreed to be sold with a lesser warranty or items that are agreed to be sold “as is.”
Should there be visible shipping damage to packaging or concealed shipping damage to item(s) supplied, buyer must communicate such damage to the delivering entity or carrier upon receipt first and to American Instrument the same day item is accepted / signed for. Failure to do so voids warranty. Customer decision to involve / procure third party or OEM service other than American Instrument or AIE assigned vendors to resolve in-warranty instrument failure or defect without first placing a service call to American Instrument voids warranty.
Return & Cancellation Policy
American Instrument Exchange will authorize the return of and issue a full refund for any equipment that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer’s satisfaction by AIE or a representative of AIE during the warranty period. Returns without prior authorization and an RMA number will not be accepted.
Customers are responsible for proper packaging of the equipment and all included accessories. American Instrument will pay for insurance and shipping costs. Non-inventory items bought specifically to fill customer orders may possibly be returned, but on a case by case basis.
Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun or after delivery where there are no equipment performance issues may be subject to a Restocking/Cancellation Fee of 20% or more and responsible for shipping costs for both the delivery and return.
Ongoing and Extended Support Options
American Instrument Exchange is able to provide additional repair and support services outside the warranty terms for most products that sell.
For biosafety cabinets, clean benches, chemical fume hoods, and other clean air products our team at AIE Laboratory Services can provide certifications, repairs, decontaminations, and other services for customers throughout New England, and guidance and limited technical assistance for any customers in the US and Canada for new or refurbished biosafety cabinets purchased from American Instrument Exchange.
For all other products, the repair service team at American Instrument Exchange can provide both field and depot repair evaluations. We can easily schedule and coordinate the pick-up and transportation of your malfunctioning equipment. By offering hourly rates lower than most OEM service providers and eliminating travel time for technicians, we help reduce repair costs. Furthermore, our lab depot repair service minimizes or eliminates scheduling delays. Our experienced service technicians are qualified to restore your equipment to factory specifications.
Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty. Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.
How do you test and recondition the equipment?
Testing requirements vary across all the equipment categories we sell. Temperature controlled units are tested with NIST traceable probes and data loggers. Gaskets, external housing, glass, handles, controls and control screens are all thoroughly inspected for integrity and functionality. We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.
How do products ship from American Instrument Exchange?
We can ship products both nationally and internationally using a well-established network of transporters. Smaller items will ship via UPS. Larger equipment will be palletized and shipped either LTL or air-ride, depending on the specific equipment and/or delivery requirements.
Return and order cancellation policy
American Instrument Exchange will accept the return of any product that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer's satisfaction during the warranty period. Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun will be subject to a cancellation and restocking fee of between 20% and 40%.
Are discounts available for educational or non-profit institutions, or for bulk purchases?
Yes – call or email us today with a list of equipment you're looking for and we can potentially put together a quote that includes a discount.
How does your price matching policy work?
We strive to keep our pricing competitive and reasonable. If you find comparable items for sale at a lower price from other vendors please send us a link and or quote for the item and we'll do our best to match or beat the price.
Can I see the equipment in person before committing to a purchase?
Customers are welcome to make an appointment to view equipment in our warehouse. Given our workload we may not be able to test or clean the equipment prior to your arrival if you have not committed to an order.
1023 Western Avenue is a working warehouse, not a showroom, and customers should dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.
Can I ship products that I purchased elsewhere to American Instrument for repair?
Yes – please see our repair services page for more information.
